Communications keep institutions safe
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Senior administrators of organizations that work in campus, multi-floor or high-risk environments are under increased pressure to implement sound risk management practices, as the result of events such as the shootings in 2007 at Virginia Tech, which affect both the institution involved and the healthcare facilities that respond to such tragedies. Of course healthcare facilities have faced challenges of their own, such as SARS and H1N1.
A vast range of communications tools and applications exists to battle these threats, but institutions need a comprehensive strategic plan to achieve the necessary speed and efficiency of response. Allstream's solution to emergency management is Unified Communications - where the necessary tools work together to provide rapid response. While each communications element can be somewhat effective, their true strength in the threat scenario is in working together.
Business model for institutions
In an emergency at an educational or health-care campus, established communications tools such as public address systems, voice mail and email are limited in their ability to reach a large number of people quickly. Even today's most popular tools, such as SMS or text messaging, can only do so much. For one thing, huge volume SMS can clog networks and there is no certainty the messages will be received in time. Relying on any one tool is unlikely to deliver the desired result.
Instead, today's administrators turn to the immense potential of IP networks and unified communications capabilities. Leveraging these advanced tools allows organizations of any type and size such as educational or healthcare operations to respond to emergencies effectively. The appropriate messages reach the appropriate people in a timely manner, utilizing a range of communications tools.
Allstream's comprehensive Unified Communication solutions not only keeps all the right people informed in an emergency situation, but it also facilitates business continuity and safeguards the day-to-day operations of the organization. All of which help you to increase efficiency while saving time and cost.
Work together
Consider a simple example of how components in a unified communications solution can work. In complexes such as educational or healthcare institutions, networked computers are commonplace. These can be set up so every computer receives essential notices that can't be rejected until the user acknowledges receipt. Computers can even be locked down to force evacuations. Along with the networked computers, steps such as migrating paging to IP networks, common cellular tools and even traditional measures such as overhead speakers, together can handle the risk management process. It takes a unified approach.
Ultimately, administrators need to consider using a wide range of tools for mass communication in their environments. An established communications provider such as Allstream can work with the administrators' intimate knowledge of the environment, to come up with a comprehensive solution that fits the needs and the environment of the institution.
